Mastering applying your lower lash mascara isn’t a natural ability all mascara wearers are born with. It may sound easy, get a mascara wand, and brush it over your bottom lashes, right? But if it were that simple, why do we always seem to end up with under eye smudging or nasty clumped bottom lashes that look like a spider is about to crawl out from your eye? The answer: it’s most likely down to the mascara you use on your bottom lashes!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in need of a bit of a lower lash masterclass. The two main ingredients to mastering a pristine bottom lash mascara application are:
1. A good mascara suitable for lower lashes.
2. The correct application technique.
So, let’s get stuck in shall we? How do you apply lower lash mascara perfectly and which are the best mascaras to choose from?
The best mascaras for lower lashes
When it comes to choosing the best mascara wand for your lower lashes the thinner the better. Having a thin wand will give you more control during the application process and ultimately leave you will less mascara mishaps.
To try and diminish the possibility of smudged under-eyes, using a waterproof or smudge proof formula is a good start to choosing the best mascara for your bottom lashes.
PIXI Lower Lash Mascara
This product is specifically designed for the lower lash. Its itsy-bitsy wand is ideal for coating your bottom lashes in water-resistant formula, while keeping them separated and creating a naturally lengthened appearance.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
One of the best mascaras for your bottom lashes, this Clinique mascara has all the factors your bottom lashes need. If you’re looking for a bottom lash product that require the least skill and effort for you here it is! Its super small brush is designed for extra precision when applying, meaning even those new to makeup will find applying this product simple.
All round mascaras
Perhaps you’re not wanting to invest in two completely different product for both your top and bottom lashes. Having two products can be beneficial as both lash lines often require different formulas and bristles, but I understand it may seem like a lot having to switch your product halfway through applying mascara. Luckily, there are all-round mascaras that can work equally as well on the bottom as they do on the top, it may just require a little extra concentration when you apply.
If you’re looking for a mascara to perform on your top AND bottom lashes lengthening mascaras usually are the best options. These mascaras tend to have thinner wands that make applying the product to your bottom lashes easier.
MAC Extended Play Mascara
With a thin enough wand to make applying to your lower lashes easy, this mascara is also great for your upper lashes too. If you’re looking for a quick, all round mascara application then here is your holy grail product.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara – Waterproof
If you’ve been reading a lot of my product recommendations, then you will know I swear by this product as an all-round budget mascara. It’s cheap and does a good job – what more could you want? If you’re a novice whose a little wary of splurging on more expensive mascaras for your bottom lashes then give this one a go!
Its tapered wand means it’s easy to apply mascara to your bottom lashes precisely. Take your time and use the tip to brush product through your bottom lashes. This product does also come in a non-waterproof formula but to cut the chances of smudgy under eyes choosing waterproof formula is the way to go.
How to apply mascara to your bottom lashes
Applying your bottom lashes requires a slightly different technique to applying mascara on your upper lashes.
To avoid any blotchy mistakes applying your bottom mascara takes some concentration. Of course, when you’re used to the technique you’ll be whizzing through your lower lash mascara application without a second thought.
Use an appropriate bottom lash mascara
As previously discussed, the first and arguably most important factor to achieving a perfect lower lash application is a suitable mascara. The smaller and thinner the brush the better as this will give you the greatest precision when applying.
Grab you’re favourite lower lash mascara, if you don’t already have one then hopefully some of my recommendations above are helpful!
Apply mascara to your bottom lashes first
Many will start by applying mascara to the top lashes before moving on to the lower lashes, but this is actually the wrong way to go about it. When applying mascara to our upper lashes we tend to look up which then pushes your lashes against your lids and can transfer your mascara on to them, which I’m sure we can all agree is perhaps one of the most annoying makeup mishaps.
When applying tilt your head downwards and angle you’re a hand help mirror beneath you, this will make it much easier to see what you’re doing.
Keep it minimal
The trick to applying perfect lower lash mascara is to keep it minimal. Adding too many layers of product can have them looking thick and clumpy, which I’m pretty certain isn’t the look most of us are aiming for. If you want your lower lashes to look naturally lengthened then a thin coat of a quality mascara is all it takes to achieve this, you wont need to be adding layer upon layer.
Your lower lashes differ from your upper lashes by being finer and usually sparser, meaning it takes much less product to achieve your desired lash look so be sure not to overload.
Top tips
If, no matter how you apply your mascara, you continue to get those annoying spots of mascara under your eyes then try getting a piece of tissue and wiggling it under you bottom lashes before applying your mascara. This will catch any fallout from the mascara, leaving your under eyes clear.
If you’re looking to get a little bit more playful with your lower lash mascara then why not try a coloured mascara to really make your eyes pop? Alternatively, if you’re wanting something a little more subtle then try reaching for a more natural shade of brown to compliment your skin tone rather than the dramatic contrast provided by the usual black.
Best Bottom Lash Mascara Tips from Experts
We asked everyone in the Beauty Answers team for their one bottom lash mascara tip and here they all are!
Shannon: Best Bottom Lash Mascara Tips
When it comes to making your bottom lashes stand out, use an eyelash primer or serum to separate them out before applying mascara. Then, when it comes to coating them in mascara, don’t be afraid to make a mess.
Apply at least two coats and worry about removing the excess from under your eye afterwards once the mascara is dry and set. Use a damp cotton bud to remove any smudges from the application.
If you worry too much about getting the mascara on your skin, I find it can impact how well you apply, so if you throw all caution to the wind then you will find the result is longer and more well-defined bottom lashes.
Bethan: A Good Wand is the Best Bottom Lash Mascara Tip
In terms of the best mascara products for applying to your bottom lashes, finding a good wand is one of the most important factors. Look for a mascara wand that is small and thin, as this will really help to give you the control and precision to coat your bottom lashes, which can be much smaller and hard to reach than your top lashes.
Start applying at the lop of your lashes close to your eye, and then extend down while slightly wiggling the mascara wand from side to side as you drag it down. Moving the wand from left to right as you coat your lashes will help to separate them, and also build volume which will help them to stand out.
Emily: Flexible mascara wand is what you need
I currently use L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara which is just £10.99. It has a flexible, high-precision comb which makes it easier to cover all of the bottom lashes.
You should apply the mascara by moving the brush back and forth from the root to the end of the lashes at a diagonal angle, pointing away from your nose and toward the outside of your face. It contains a lengthening fibre formula which can build a thicker and longer lash if you wish by applying a second or third coat.
Karen: Using a Smaller Mascara Brush is Key
When I apply mascara to my bottom lashes, I like to use a smaller brush so it’s more precise and reduces the chance of transferring to my under eye area (no one wants to look like they have dark circles).
I also like to scrape off most of the product from the brush so I’m only ever applying a very tiny amount on my bottom lashes, this just feels like a more natural look to me. Even that small amount makes the lash look more prominent and gives it length without it looking clumpy, also reducing the chance of smudging too.